HPV-51 and HPV-52 were most frequently identified in the male
partner of infertile couples. In our study, all subjects from the
control group were confirmed fertile males, and semen samples
were collected after week 6 to 8 of pregnancy. We performed follow-
up investigations of 35 HPV-positive subjects until their week
16 to 20 of pregnancy and found that four of their spouses showed
abortion symptoms (abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding) that were
relieved after obstetric therapy, no early abortion or suspension of
embryo growth. The most common genotypes of confirmed fertile
males were HPV-68, -81, -33 and -39. We conjectured that the
effect of these genotypes on pregnancy is limited; in other words,
HPV infection has little to do with the early results of natural
conception. Further studies with increased numbers of samples or
prolonged follow-up times are needed.
In conclusion, HPV infection is a risk factor for male infertility. It
decreases sperm PR and the normal morphology rate, leading to
decreased male fertility or even infertility. Among the male HPV
infection genotypes, HPV-45, -52, -18/59 and -16 have close relationships
with infertility and deserve more attention.